The Oculus Rift gets a long-anticipated game this week, but it’s Gear VR that’s the real star of the show. There are several interesting projects for Samsung’s headset that have appeared from out of nowhere, many of which use the new motion controller. Dive in.
If you missed last week, you can see those new releases here. And don’t forget that UploadVR has a Steam community group complete with a curated list of recommendations so that you don’t have to waste any money finding out what’s good in the world of VR.
Plus — check out our list of the best Oculus Rift games and best Gear VR games for more suggestions!
New Rift and Gear VR Releases on Oculus Home
Battlezone, from Rebellion Entertainment
Price: $33.99 (Rift)
The PlayStation VR launch game finally makes its way to Rift and Vive this week. Battlezone is a reworking of the original arcade tank battler, brought to life in VR. Jump in the cockpit of your tank, team up with friends online and then blast away enemies in procedurally generated levels. A fun time for all.
Recommendation: We love Battlezone. Don’t miss it.
FlowForBreathVR, from CoreReboot
Price: $1.99 (Gear)
This is a pretty interesting idea. You’re meant to center your thoughts inside VR with this app, tracing shapes. It’s apparently a researched and proven method of claiming your mind using breathing exercises. If that sounds like something you’re in need of this could be for you.
Recommendation: Worth checking out.
Space Battle, from Samsung
Price: Free (Gear)
Apparently this cockpit battle game is made by Samsung itself, which is surprising seeing as it’s being released with little fanfare. It only lasts for a few minutes, though, and takes you over a city environment and snowy landscapes in that time.
Recommendation: A brief distraction, should you need it.
Althora, from Eipix Entertainment
Price: $7.99 (Gear)
Now this looks interesting. Althora is set on a strange planet that you’ll explore, uncovering fantastical sights and solving puzzles. It looks a little like Gear VR’s answer to Eclipse, though it’s on the other end of the color spectrum. If you need serious games on your Gear, don’t miss this.
Recommendation: Absolutely pick this one up.
Stickar, from Cubicle Ninjas
Price: Free (Gear)
Entirely different from Guided Meditation, Cubile Ninjas’ new VR app looks like a curious mix of something like Snapchat’s AR filters with the power of VR. Featuring over 150 images to plaster over your friend’s face, this app allows you to share your creations through Facebook streaming and more.
Recommendation: This is unlike anything else on Gear, so check it out.
https://youtu.be/8HWBqEaWPlQ
Gravity Quest, from Alexandr Krivozub
Price: $2.99 (Gear)
Reminding us a little of the amazing Neverout, Gravity Quest is a mind-bending maze game that bends the laws of physics to create challenges unlike anything you’ll have ever previously seen. It looks like a compelling and beautiful experience with a lot of time put into it.
Recommendation: This really looks worth a try.
https://youtu.be/D0tr3kKW4Y8
Sayonara Umihara Kawase VR, from Studio Saizensen
Price: $5.99
The artwork for this strange new game suggests you might be getting a Japanese RPG, but it turns out this is a 2.5 platformer starring a young first that faces fish-like enemies that (I think) she wants to cook. Okay, it makes absolutely no sense at all, alright?
Recommendation: I have no idea. Does it appeal to you? Then go for it.
Daedalus, from Vertical Robot
Price: $4.99
Daedalus looks like a pretty inventive exploration game in which you explore a fantastical new world using slow, comfortably traversal. Platforms bleed into the world and strange objects are around every corner. It looks really unique and interesting.
Recommendation: Another one for gamers to check out for sure.
New Oculus Rift Releases on Steam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBuPsaCSSyk
Freeze Climbing, from Bottino.Games
Price: $2.99
Plan out your hand placement strategically in Freeze Climbing as you work your way up an icy dreamscape. Throw yourself across gaps and climb quickly, but be careful not to fall.
Recommendation: Look into this one but be careful if you’re quickly susceptible to motion sickness.
Star Dust: The Book of Earth, from SKYLENS TECHNOLOGY
Price: $5.99
In Star Dust, 21st century humankind concocted a plan to explore into the furthest reaches of space. Science and technology blossomed, but we weren’t ready for our first contact with alien life. Your role in this space action shooter starts after the homeland has been left in ruins and a new star fleet has been built.
Recommendation: Great visuals, but relatively boring gameplay. Worth a shot if you want something pretty, though, at that price.
Domain Defense VR, from Inclusion Studios
Price: $8.99 (Currently Discounted)
Domain Defense is a table top tower defense with dynamic weather, a table you can walk around fully, special abilities, and bosses that expand outside of the play area. The game includes a few different modes such as an endless rush and an immersive experience where all data is handled on the game board.
Recommendation: Clever premise for fans of board games.
Void Rangers, from Martin Senovsky
Price: $9.59 (Currently Discounted)
Grab yourself a couple blasters and immerse yourself in Void Rangers, an intense shooter with endless waves, weapon upgrades, and a leader-board to be conquered.
Recommendation: This is VR bullet-hell. In a really good way. Purchase this even if you’re bored of wave shooters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxNrOF8JmRw
Dark Mechanism, from Field Of Vision
Price: $1.19 (Currently Discounted)
In Dark Mechanism, take on an infinite amount of levels and obstacles to the tune of upbeat music. Styled after infinite runners, your reaction speed and focus will be put to the test.
Recommendation: If you have an affinity for infinite runners, this is right up your alley.
Speed and Scream, from iNFINITE Production
Price: $4.99
Speed and Scream is a collection of high-speed experiences that take you from the surface of the moon to the realm of the dead. You and your friends can strap in enjoy the virtual rides of your life.
Recommendation: Don’t buy any more VR coasters.
Blastercell, from Robot Games
Price: $0.84 (Currently Discounted)
Blastercell drops you into the cold reaches of space for a twin-stick shooter experience. Shoot down asteroids and other ships, restoring your fuel and raising the score for as long as you can.
Recommendation: Arcade excitement but not an immersive experience. Super inexpensive though for retro fans.
Red vs Blue 360, from Rooster Teeth
Price: Free
Experience the classic Red vs Blue series and watch the chaos in Blood Gulch unfold in 360-degrees.
Recommendation: This first episode is part of the Steam 360 beta program. Check it out.
A CHALLENGE, from Brigantine Films, LTD.
Price: Free
Shot with OZO, A Challenge is a VR thriller is a captivating look into the realities of Stockholm Syndrome.
Recommendation: Another entry for the Steam 360 program. See if it’s to your liking.
The Hunger Games 360, from Lionsgate
Price: Free
In this 360-degree Hunger Games experience, you’ll be able to journey through key moments in Katniss’ battles across all four films.
Recommendation: If you’re a fan of the franchise, check it out for zero dollars.
The Blank Canvas – Hacking Nature, from The Blank Canvas, Lobo
Price: Free
The Blank Canvas is a 360-degree film experience that uses the immersive medium to better express the ideas of some of the most brilliant minds. Some concepts are difficult to express but creators believe this format to be a better way to explain.
Recommendation: Definitely check this one out.
Lego Batman ‘The Batmersive Experience’, from Warner Bros.
Price: Free
The Lego Bat is the best Bat in the business. The Batmersive Experience gives you a 360-degree look into the Lego Batcave and how it feels to be his esteemed sidekick. You’ll also encounter some of his friends and Gotham’s rogue gallery.
Recommendation: It’s Batman. Come on.
Under the Canopy, from Jaunt, Inc.
Price: Free
Under the Canopy is an immersive documentary about the world’s greatest rainforest and how it is under threat. Soar over treetops and plunge into rivers around the Amazon and learn of one of the planet’s greatest and most beautiful treasures.
Recommendation: This is a different flavor for the Steam 360 launch. Watch it.
Pixvana 360 Production Series, from Pixvana Productions
Price: Free
The Pixvana Production Series collects a broad range of content for the 360-degree medium that shows off unique ideas and techniques. Currently, you get soccer, dance, and an inside look into a Seattle artist studio.
Recommendation: Give it a go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQAu3xlFj_w
Cyberdrifter, from UziGames
Price: $9.99
In Cyberdrifter you take on the role of Jack Torrents and take on a rogue AI in a virtual world. The retro design of the game has you infiltrating, shooting, and dodging as you work toward your goal.
Recommendation: Still in Early Access, but not bad so far.
